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He Jiankui defends 'world's first gene-edited babies'
Image copyrightAFPImage captionProf He's university has denied any knowledge of the research, which has not been peer-reviewed
A Chinese scientist who claims to have created the world's first genetically edited babies has defended his work.
Speaking at a genome summit in Hong Kong, He Jiankui said he was "proud" of altering the genes of twin girls so they could not contract HIV.
His work, which he announced earlier this week, has not been verified.
Many scientists have condemned his announcement. Such gene-editing work is banned in most countries, including China.
Professor He's university - the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen - said it was unaware of the research project and would launch an investigation. It said Mr He had been on unpaid leave since February.
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Prof He confirmed the university was not aware, adding he had funded the experiment by himself.
What has the scientist claimed?
Prof He announced earlier this week that he had altered the DNA of embryos - twin girls - to prevent them from contracting HIV.
He Jiankui defends 'world's first gene-edited babies'
- 28 November 2018
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A Chinese scientist who claims to have created the world's first genetically edited babies has defended his work.
Speaking at a genome summit in Hong Kong, He Jiankui said he was "proud" of altering the genes of twin girls so they could not contract HIV.
His work, which he announced earlier this week, has not been verified.
Many scientists have condemned his announcement. Such gene-editing work is banned in most countries, including China.
Professor He's university - the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen - said it was unaware of the research project and would launch an investigation. It said Mr He had been on unpaid leave since February.
ADVERTISEMENT
Prof He confirmed the university was not aware, adding he had funded the experiment by himself.
What has the scientist claimed?
Prof He announced earlier this week that he had altered the DNA of embryos - twin girls - to prevent them from contracting HIV.
